Latest NewsMemorial Day sale! From now until Tuesday, May 28 (California time), enter promo code "MEM30" (all capital) at check-out and receive a whopping 30% off entire purchase, including already-discounted on-sale items!Check out items with reduced prices! Go to the ON SALE section for LPs & CDs up to 50% off!
* Check out the new Single Layer SACD reissue series from Venus Records in the SACD-Jazz section!
* Take a look at our Jazz vinyl LP selection!!
* Special audiophile formats from Japan: SHM-SACD, Blu-spec CD, HQCD and SHM-CD!

In 2014, the Japanese independent jazz label Venus Records began releasing its "best of the best" albums from its deep catalog on single layer SACD, the ultimate audiophile format. (Please note that single layer SACDs require an SACD player for playback. They will not play on a regular CD player.)

Pianist Richie Beirach's jazzification of classical melodies written by Schumann, Beethoven, Satie, Faure and Debussy. With the great support by George Mraz and Billy Hart, Beirach's performance here is by turns swinging, romantic and melancholic. Guest violinist Gregor Huebner appears on two tracks. The final tune is an aching original by Beirach called "Steel Prayers - Ballad for 9/11 WTC" commemorating the 9/11 tragedy which had taken place nine months before the recording.

Recorded at The Studio in NYC, on May 7 and 8, 2002. Gate-fold paper sleeve edition. Single Layer SACD.